It is always been EarthenHive Architects chef d’oeuvre when it comes to sustainable/eco-friendly designs. RMV villa is one such Iconic projects which resonates harmonic blend of design and space, gamut usage of sustainable elements, maximum natural lighting and ventilation, optimization on the natural resources by alternative renewable/recyclable solutions.
Architects: EarthenHive Architects
Location: India
Their design concepts are driven by the following key parameters/Initiatives:-
- Building space orientation adapted to the local climate
- Relevant envelope insulation
- Maximum use of day lighting and natural ventilation
- High window to wall ratio
- Use of sustainable building material like CSEB, Ferro-cement, Composite, Bamboo, Natural fibre panels, Stones etc.
- High performance glazing
- Maximizing use of energy efficient equipment
- Use of Renewable energy systems
- Other features pertaining to bio climatic or passive architecture
- Reducing construction waste/refuse to almost negligible quantity.
Renovating and retro-fitting this old colonial styled mansion at Bangalore with the amalgamation of semi-contemporary accents and classical concepts was the juncture rechristened. Functionality and luxury along with the consistent connect with the encasing lush green landscaped court yards was the design criteria. The challenge includes the complete redesigning of exterior and interior to achieve harmonic and well balanced architecture. The exterior façades, the landscape and interiors was meticulously planned in sync with overall design concept. The layout was reworked carefully with the minimal alteration to the internal load bearing walls and emphasized more on functional aspects.
The built-up area of this villa is about 6000 Sqft set on a linear site of 12000sft with extensively landscaped courtyards. The building coverage is just over 30% against around 70% open space. The entrance driveway formed with naturally pitched stones unwinding along the native variety of plant species and grass against the stone stalked ledge acts as a welcome relief for weary minds after stressful day and travel.
The entrance patio flaunts stone columns connecting the foyer and the living to the pebbled pathway along the burbling stone fountain, thus leading to the terracotta tiled gazebo resting under 30 years old mango tree surrounded by water efficient native plants. The old teakwood doors and windows were serviced and reused with the apt reorientation so that the entire theme of the house resonates with the elements of nature- the air, water and sound. The inkling light through the cascading water body at the lobby forms the central core of the house. The Private living space can be separated from the rest with the retractable partition made out of recycled wood and glass. Antique elements and rustic wooden rafters along with muted shades creates placid ambience for the required mood. The North and east light emerging through the large windows spreading across the entire habitable spaces and even rays spreading through the Jalli of Puja room provides the sense of revelation.
The rectangular dining space connecting the kitchen on one side and senior guest room on the other side also opens towards the exterior inviting the exotic view of the green wall through large windows. The green wall is meant to shield the building from the direct heat of the west sun. All the bed rooms are with high ceiling and large windows for sufficient ventilation. The interiors are finished with neutral shades to create a soothing and comforting environment. The window curtains are made of natural linens to blend with the natural characteristics of the house. The master bedroom in the first floor comprises of a private in-door seating which also opens in to a large landscaped terrace. Locally made clay tiles for the terrace flooring and roofing adds to the ethnic ambience and also keeps the place cool.
With deep environmental concern, the entire villa is furnished with only serviced and reused Teak/mango/rubber wood to reduce the usage of fresh/solid wood. Non-biodegradable materials were completely avoided and instead replaced by naturally dyed banana fibre panels made by local tribal artisans and are signature motif. Also sugarcane panels were used for acoustics at entertainment room and home office.
Natural and subdued shades and finishes to maintain the essence of colonial architecture, yet maintaining the cues of the subtle characteristics of the specific spaces. Energy efficiency by maximum day lighting, passive cooling with cross ventilation and stalk effect, earth plastering and renewable/recyclable resources were the highlights of the project. The entire terrace of the building is covered with the additional pitched roof over the existing concrete slab and the gable walls are with glass louvers to allow the air to flow through. This serves multiple purposes as the tiled roof not only protects the building from direct heat radiation through the ceiling, it also diverts the rain water to the recharge ponds in the garden through the gutters more efficiently. The space between the pitched roof and the concrete slab is utilized as a service space for water tanks, solar heating and lighting systems, outdoor units, janitors etc. This space is well ventilated through the glass louvers at the periphery for natural air and light. The recharge pond which flaunts the ethereal garden fountain also feeds excess rain water into the underground sump beneath the gazebo for storage through natural filtration process.
Such is the Architecture of this Villa which is a visual art, and the creations speak for themselves raising the bar for quality of innovation, optimization and functionality. Mr.Sudhakar Gande’s Villa – “The Home of Sustainable concepts”…
Ar.Raghu & Ar.Bindu
A National level award winning design-built firm that is known for its nature sensitive Architecture, Interiors and Landscaping. Since 2001 Ar. Bindu and Ar. Raghu -Founding partners/Principal Architects along with the team have been practicing ‘GREEN’/Eco-Friendly architecture, constantly innovating to include every known sustainable means to strive towards an ever-lighter footprint. They specialize in designing and executing projects for Commercial, Medical, Educational, Hospitality and Residential purposes. In addition to their creative design team, they also have an accomplished execution team consisting of expert craftsmen and skilled labor force from many parts of the country bringing a vast diversity and uniqueness to their projects.
Creating spaces that have a deep sense of purpose, culture and surrounding have won them many accolades over the years. EarthenHive Architects was recently awarded for “Best Sustainable Architecture-Residential at Singapore and The most Sustainable Interior design- residential 2017 at National level. Their design for a world class campus for Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology was highly appreciated by the Indian Ministry. They were part of the elite team which was instrumental in creating one of “India’s initial few Platinum rated Green building (WIPRO – GDC2).” Their work was greatly admired and felicitated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (then Honorable President) with this prestigious award from UGBC (US Green Building Council). Restoration and transformation of old buildings, giving them a new lease on life is one of the many arrows in our quiver.
It’s always been EarthenHive Architects chef d’oeuvre when it comes to sustainable/eco-friendly architecture. All our Iconic projects resonates harmonic blend of design and space, gamut usage of sustainable elements, Maximum natural lighting and ventilation, optimizing on the natural resources by alternative renewable/recyclable solutions. Such is our architecture which is a visual art, and our creations speak for themselves raising the bar for quality of innovation, optimization and functionality.
The term “Earthen” reverberates our love and care for the Ecology and the word “Hive” resonates our creativity and hard work in the field of architecture, where time and concept needs to be at its perfection.